Dallas Safari Club's own, Tom Benavides, testifies before Congress on National Security and International Conservation.
This week, the House Committee on Natural Resources in Washington, D.C. held an oversight hearing titled "America First: U.S. Leadership and National Security in International Conservation." Dallas Safari Club (DSC) was the only sportsmen's organization invited to testify, and provided vital information to Congress on the importance of hunting to sustainable use and the policies the U.S. can take to promote the survival of species like rhinoceros on the African continent.
"Typically, when you see the people on the forefront of conservation, they are hunters," said Tom Benavides, Assistant Vice President for the Board of Dallas Safari Club, during the hearing. "What can an America First Administration do? Sadly, the U.S. government has been more of a hinderance than help. From arbitrary red tape that has no basis in statute to permitting delays and requirements that cause undue stress on animals, all I ask is that the US government be helpful rather than antagonistic."
Benavides was asked multiple questions by Republicans and Democrats alike but ended the hearing by emphasizing that the status quo for rhinos in Africa will result in their extinction. "My hope is that the U.S. will stop their decades-long de facto support of the black market and open avenues for the regulated trade of rhino horn. Nothing less than this will be sufficient to save the rhino."
"In 1977, trade in rhino horn was banned; importantly, when this ban happened there was no legal framework to regulate horn trade. 85% of the African rhinos alive then were killed. It's easy to say the ban has failed miserably. The U.S. must support legalizing the regulated trade of rhino horn. In case you don't know, rhino horn can be removed with no negative impact to the animal - and it grows back."
Dallas Safari Club is grateful to Tom and his wife Leslie for taking the time to represent our organization so well in Washington, D.C. To read Tom's testimony, please click here. To watch the hearing click here.
About Dallas Safari Club
A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With a small administrative staff and a volunteer army of 500+, DSC hosts its annual Convention at the start of each new year, along with the recently added Summer Expo, that together raise funds for grants in conservation, education, and advocacy. Over the years, DSC and DSC Foundation have raised millions in support of qualified projects, organizations and programs aligned with the DSC mission. For more information, call 972-980-9800 or visit biggame.org.
